diff --git a/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_AttitudeControl.h b/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_AttitudeControl.h
index 62d478fb7c..2ef5ca67a6 100644
--- a/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_AttitudeControl.h
+++ b/libraries/AC_AttitudeControl/AC_AttitudeControl.h
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ protected:
     const AP_Vehicle::MultiCopter &_aparm;
     AP_Motors&          _motors;
 
-private:
+protected:
     /*
       state of control monitoring
     */